Second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, who has been out with a strained left hand, took live batting practice yesterday for the first time since last Monday. He didn’t start against Tampa Bay last night and the Yankees weren’t ready to set a day for his comeback, but it was clearly encouraging.

“It’s all right. I don’t know what else to say,” was the only comment forthcoming from Knoblauch, who hurt his hand and wrist swinging a weighted bat April 23.

After three days of rest, Knoblauch returned to the lineup but hit just 2-for-17 and has been shelved since May 1. Sunday he swung a bat for the first time since then – albeit just short soft-tosses from hitting coach Chris Chambliss – and yesterday it was live batting practice.

Dwight Gooden’s start for Tampa Bay last night was his first start in New York as an opponent. Gooden pitched two years for the Yankees, going 20-12 in 49 games from 1996-97. In his first season with the Bombers, he earned his second World Series ring and threw his first career no-hitter, against Seattle on May 14, 1996.

Orlando Hernandez wasn’t present at John Cardinal O’Connor’s funeral at St. Patrick’s yesterday, but El Duque said he and his family were with the late Archbishop in spirit. O’Connor was instrumental in helping to get Hernandez’ family out of Cuba and to the U.S.

“We weren’t there in the physical, but he was in our hearts. We really appreciate everything he did for us,” Hernandez said through interpreter Leo Astacio.

After Hernandez’ win in Game 2 of the 1998 World Series, he sent a letter asking for O’Connor’s help in getting his family out of Cuba. A day after O’Connor received the letter, he sent emissary Mario Paredes to Havana to meet with Fidel Castro. By Game 4, El Duque’s family had Castro’s permission to come up to New York on a 30-day visa; the rest is history.

Reliever Jeff Nelson complained of stiffness in the biceps after walking two batters on eight pitches Sunday. But yesterday Nelson whose 16 appearances coming into last night were tied for third in the AL – said he was fine.

“Yesterday was just one of those days. That happens,” said Nelson, who is 5-0. He came into last night tied for the AL lead in wins, and jokingly said, “I’m not gonna complain when I get in there. If I’m gonna get 20 wins, I’ve gotta get in there. No, seriously, I don’t even think about that. But 10 would be nice, and I’m halfway there.”

The Yankees have let tonight’s game and Friday’s game be moved to Metroguide so the Knicks’ Eastern Conference semis can be shown on MSG.